December 24, 2018

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Ok, there's late, and then there's totally last minute. Like, Christmas is tomorrow kind of last minute. That's me.

I wish I could say I was one of those people who has all of their gifts wrapped and under the tree already, but that's just not me. Most years, I'm still trying to figure out on Christmas Eve just what perfect present to get my friends and family. I'm horribly last minute, but not because I don't care, but because I genuinely want to give them something they'll love and I spend so long trying to figure it out that all of a sudden, it's like the day before I'm supposed to exchange gifts.

Luckily, this year, my family is spending Christmas in Vermont, and so we've forfeited exchanging gifts in lieu of a family vacation. But that doesn't mean that I haven't put some thought into some great gifts.

So if you're like me, and even Amazon Prime can't save you now – then this list is for you:

If you're shopping for someone who loves clothes, then a subscription to StitchFix is the perfect last minute gift!

It's a monthly subscription box that sends clothing, handpicked by their team of stylists, based on a style profile you fill out about your personality, budget and lifestyle. It costs $20 a month, and that credit can be applied to any item you decide to buy. And if you choose to buy every item that's sent to you for any given month, you'll get a 25% discount!

The best part is they cater for men, women and children of all sizes, so it's the perfect gift, no matter who's on your Christmas list! They offer gift cards ranging from $20 to $1,000 – so your gift can pay for a month's box, or a year's worth of clothes, it's your call! Want $25 off your first order? Use this link!TWO // BOOK OF THE MONTH

This is actually something that I've wanted forever, after following BOTM on Instagram for the last few years, and finally decided to pay for a subscription starting in January. But I can't lie: I'm not-so-secretly hoping a year-long subscription shows up in my stocking on Christmas morning, so mom, if you're reading this – click the link!

Anyway, BOTM is the coolest subscription box because on the first of every month, they release 5 books, usually in different genres so there's something for everyone, and you just select a book and it's shipped to you within the first week of the month. Don't like any of the books? You can skip the month and your credit will roll over so you're not charged for a month you don't use.

What I mostly love about it isn't even the fact that a book arrives on your doorstep, it's the community that comes with it. Each book is read and recommended by a BOTM reader or staff member. If there's a reader on your list, this is the perfect gift for them. The box is $15/month, and you can choose from a 3, 6 or 12-month subscription gift. Check it out here.

This is definitely the gift for basically anybody on your list. If there's someone who wants to learn a new skill, SkillShare is a service that basically offers over 25,000 different classes on almost every subject – from photography to marketing to web development to accounting. Basically anyone who's anyone can benefit from this subscription, so it's the perfect last minute gift.

Free users of SkillShare don't get access to any of the premium (aka, really good) courses – and you can choose from a 3, 6 or 12-month subscription to give your loved one. You can also get a 2-month free trial by signing up here.

I am obsessed with this gift – and I've been brainstorming just who I'd choose to do this for ever since I discovered it. This could be the perfect gift for parents or grandparents, a significant other or even just best friends.

You buy a subscription for your recipient, and every week for the next year, they'll receive one story prompt to answer via email (or record an audio response via phone if they're not the best writer!). You can choose from their question bank, which has over 600+ questions, or you can write your own questions that relate directly to your recipient's life and story. Then, at the end of the year, all of the responses are saved into a hardcover book, which you can customize with photos so that it's the perfect representation of your recipient's stories.

I'm already imagining telling my grandmother's story, my parents' lives or even a future love story to tell. Plus, it's like two years of Christmas gifts in one: because next year, you can give the finished product, wrapped under the tree. Win/win! Right now, StoryWorth has discounted the price from $79 to $59, and you can take an extra $10 off using this link!

If there's someone on your list whose New Year's resolution involves becoming more active, then a subscription to ClassPass is the perfect last minute gift for them! While pricing varies by city, fitness enthusiasts can sign up for different membership packages that allow them to attend a certain amount of classes per month.

Being a ClassPass member gives you access to thousands of workouts, classes and videos no matter where you are in the country. Plus users can read ratings and reviews, try recommended classes and find the workout class that fits them. You can gift a $50 or $100 gift card to use towards memberships, or choose your own desired amount. Check it out!

SIX // BOOKROO For those with kids on your list, BookRoo is the perfect gift! It's basically Book of the Month for kids, and you can choose whether you'd like a subscription box with board books, picture books or chapter books, depending on the age of the child receiving the box. Each box contains 2 books (picture/chapter subscriptions) or 3 books (board subscription), and it's the perfect way to get your kids reading more!

Subscription boxes range between $25-30 per month, and you can choose from a 3, 6 or 12-month subscription to give as a gift, plus get an extra 10% off using the code HOLIDAY.

So, there you have it – six ideas for absolute last minute Christmas gifts because, hey, Christmas is tomorrow!